2nd Newbie 2004

shenzenus · Post by **shenzenus** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 7:10 pm

Hi Everyone,

Thought I was 1st newbie for 2004 at the Yahoo... but was redirected to this new site.

To Sam,

I live in Bukit Panjang. And I've received your fax.

As I work in the afternoon shift, I normally have early morning (= sleepless night) as there's no need ot wake up early. I guess I could watch the weather-permitting-sky as often as I could.

I've ordered the SV 80/9D to start with. Guess SV are doing the star test on my scope now before shipment. If my scope arrives before Chinese New Year, I may drive up to Malaysia, Taiping and Kedah to visit my friends, and the same time, put my scope to test. According to them, the stars fill up the entire night sky...

Have earmarked some potential observation places and they are my favourite night haunts after midnight supper.

1. West Coast Park (Carpark 3 Area) - Very big, very dark field. No obstruction facing the sea, however, in the opposite direction, some HBD blocks about 500m away.

2. Labrador Park - Unobstructing sea view, but hills behind. Very dark corner at left side of the beach, but lights glow from the oil refinery island opposite. Very clean. Toilet available.

3. Jurong Hill top - Very dark at the hill top but at times, you could see air pollution.

Hope to join you guys on the observation nights. I will try not to peep into your high-end-telescope as it will kill my affection for my humble scope.

harlequin2902 · Post by **harlequin2902** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 7:39 pm

Hi,

Ok, I see that you have registered. That's great

Yeah, what your friends tell you is very true. We sometimes do go across the causeway for our stargazing field trips as well (not that far North though - usually still in Johor), and for first timers who've never visited a truly DARK sky site before, you'll never believe your eyes when you get there ! For any amateur astronomer with or without scope, it's just feels so wonderful (on a cloudless night of course) to be there. Can't wait for the next organized trip !

(If you want to be able to test your scope on specific objects when you get to Malaysia, it's best that you should try to get a star atlas and practice identifying some of the easier constellations under Singapore skies first. Because when you get to a dark sky site - especially if it's your first time and if you do not have other fellow astronomers around you, you may get *lost* ... if you know what I mean

)

shenzenus · Post by **shenzenus** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 10:59 pm

harlequin2902 wrote: for first timers who've never visited a truly DARK sky site before, you'll never believe your eyes when you get there ! For any amateur astronomer with or without scope, it's just feels so wonderful (on a cloudless night of course) to be there.

I've seen that kind of really star-filled sky before, only once, back in 1984. Unbelieveable... I mean the sky is totally covered with stars closely knitted.

harlequin2902 wrote: (If you want to be able to test your scope on specific objects when you get to Malaysia, it's best that you should try to get a star atlas and practice identifying some of the easier constellations under Singapore skies first. Because when you get to a dark sky site - especially if it's your first time and if you do not have other fellow astronomers around you, you may get *lost* ... if you know what I mean )

So far, I can only identify the Southern Cross. Still having hard time locating North Dipper. But in a clear star-filled sky... I'll sure get lost... Got to tag along with the experience ones.

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 1:16 am

Well, you seem to live nearby. Could drop by Singapore Polytechnic during the Fridays to join us (SP Astronomers) for our weekly observations. *hint*Maybe you can bring your new toy along when it comes...*hint*

Regards,
Sam 'the Lee'

We are the Borg, Resistance is Futile.